We all have the power to construct meaning in society; the world is endlessly in the process of being built. But far too often, we create barriers that prevent us from connecting, from uniting for change, and from recognizing the beauty that already exists every day in nature. The Barriers We Choose is a collection of photography, drawing, and poetry assembled as a call to pause, look up, step outside, and consider. Every day is a new opportunity to be amazed by the art that lives in a myriad of forms all around us. Some of the greatest barriers look like open doors. In light of the mission behind this book, 50% of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Save the Dunes organization. Check out savedunes.org to learn more about them! Reflection on The Barriers We Choose “Kayla Vasilko’s metaphorically rich collection of poems invites the reader to immerse the self in the natural world through observation and reflection. Each poem focuses on various aspects of the environment: trees, oceans and beaches, wind, rain, snow, clouds, birds, spiders. One is reminded of Thoreau’s contemplative sojourns in various locales, from Walden Pond to the Maine woods, captured in his philosophical writings. Vasilko offers unique perspectives in linking nature to art, to meaning, to hope, and to change as she does, for example, in the poem “Remember.” Photography and artwork included in the collection complement the imagery conveyed in poems. As a whole, the selection of poems suggests that the sublime of nature can inspire us to create art, to reach new insights about life, and to make changes for the common good. All in all, The Barriers We Choose offers readers an escape into the poet’s vision of nature and encourages all of us to value the natural world and our existence within it.” ~Dr. Jane Rose, Professor of English, Purdue University Northwest. Author of articles on nineteenth-century and contemporary American writers. “I’m always excited to see an artist explore ways that we, as humans, can be more connected to nature. "In The Barriers We Choose,” Vasilko takes pause, and asks critical questions about the natural world, inviting us to do the same. Combining visual arts and poetry, she asks the viewer to become curious with her, blending her experiences in nature with some of the major questions of our time. In the poem, La Vida es Preciosa she writes, “I know that we always have had the time. To see that life is precious. To learn. And to feel inspired. We just have to take it." In reminding us of this fact, she encourages us to seize the day.” ~Corey Hagelberg, Interdisciplinary Artist and Teacher, Director of Calumet Artist Residency “Kayla Vasilko’s wonder comes alive in these pages. To read these poems is to realize over and over that life is precious.” ~Steffanie Triller Fry, Assistant Professor of Practice and Writing Center Director, Purdue University Northwest. Co-author of Not for the Kids: Writing Support that Works for Adult Learners . “Within the words of her poetry, the spirit of Kayla Vasilko's spirit infuses the nature she experiences in all seasons, through all moods and observations. We too experience as she experiences—the fireflies, spiders, leaves in autumn on the forest floor. The sun energizes with electricity, water reflects activity--even the stones on cobbled streets come alive through Vasilko's words. Her world is meditative, thoughtful, and felt, and we the readers are part of her spiritual landscape. To read The Barriers We Choose is to step into an immersive land that Vasilko generously shares with an extended hand.” ~Heather Augustyn, Lecturer of English and Writing Center Coordinator, Purdue University Northwest. Author of eight books on Jamaican music history, including Rude Girls: Women in 2 Tone and One Step Beyond.